Optimum Nutrition

GOLD STANDARD 100% WHEY

Whey blend with isolate, concentrate, and hydrolyzed whey peptides.

Research last verified August 19, 2026

71/ 100

Ethos Score

71/ 100

Score is computed from explicit research inputs using the Ethos Score V1 methodology.

The Takeaway

The best-selling protein powder in the U.S. by volume. A whey blend (isolate + concentrate + hydrolyzed) at a competitive price point, without independent sport certification.

Best For

  • • General fitness users who want a widely available, well-known protein
  • • Budget-conscious buyers who want solid value per serving

Watch Out For

  • • Whey blend — not a pure isolate; concentrate content means slightly less protein purity
  • • No NSF or Informed Choice certification confirmed

Why this score

Score covers 85% of the full 100-point weight.

Evidence & Dose
85/ 100

Whey blend with strong evidence base. Hydrolyzed whey is included, though added cost may not yield proportional benefit for most users.

Formula Quality
72/ 100

Whey blend (isolate primary + concentrate + hydrolyzed). Not a pure isolate. Multiple protein sources increase processing complexity.

Testing & Transparency
40/ 100

No independent sport certification confirmed.

Toxins & Contaminants
Pending

No product-specific contaminant data.

Real Cost / Value
85/ 100

Very competitive pricing per serving for a branded whey product.


Real Cost

One-time purchase

One-time purchase

$74.49

Cost per serving: $2.57

About $77.06 for 30 days · $937.55 per year

No verified official purchase link is available


Formula

Key Active Ingredients

  • Whey Protein Isolate

    isolate

  • Whey Protein Concentrate

    concentrate

  • Hydrolyzed Whey Protein / Whey Peptides

    hydrolyzed

Testing & Transparency

Independent certification

No public certification verification is listed

Public test source

No product-specific test source is linked

No independent sport certification confirmed.

Toxin & Forever Chemical Report

This section shows product-specific contaminant and PFAS (forever chemical) test results where available. “No Product-Specific Data Found” is not a purity pass — it means no public test result was located for this exact product. Organic, non-GMO, and similar certifications are agricultural standards and do not verify contaminant levels.

Heavy Metals (Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic, Mercury)
No Product-Specific Data Found
PFAS / Forever Chemicals
No Product-Specific Data Found

No product-specific contaminant data.


Evidence

No structured expert findings are available for this product yet. The research summary in the score dimensions above reflects the current state of our analysis.

Sources